A prolific offender who fled from police in Surrey was located with the help of a police dog.

On September 3 at 9 p.m., Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) were conducting proactive patrols as part of their ongoing violence suppression efforts in Surrey.

The officers initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 6400-block of 121 Street, but it sped off at a high rate of speed. Officers were able to deploy a spike belt to quickly stop the vehicle.

With assistance from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services (IPDS), a male suspect was located and taken into custody. A search of the male and vehicle revealed two replica handguns and bear spray.

Police also discovered modifications to the vehicle that appeared to mimic police vehicle emergency lights.

On September 4, 29-year-old Justin Mercieca was charged with multiple offences, including flight from police, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, three counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of an identity document that relates or purports to another person, and driving while prohibited under the Motor Vehicle Act.

He remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.

“Gang enforcement officers from Surrey and CFSEU-BC are out conducting roving patrols, targeting dangerous offenders and those involved in criminal activity like Justin Mercieca, who put the safety of others at risk in our community,” said Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, Constable Sarbjit K. Sangha on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.